The possibilities of solar heating seem to have no boundaries and yet less
than 1% of our energy comes from this precious renewable resource. The main
objection to using the sun's energy has to do with cost. Even if a reasonable
pay back period is assured the initial cost of a solar heating system is objectionable
and do-it-yourself solar heating projects are often frowned upon by the building
department and neighbors. The high cost of copper, manufacturing expenses,
shipping costs, building permits, plumbing permits, financing and labor expenses
are more than most people will tolerate, however, a low cost, practical solar heating system is a
dream ready to come true for carpenters who understand the nature of solar
thermal systems.

This page explores some basic, conventional domestic solar hot water
and heating systems that use conventional, expensive, solar heating components
as well as a number of home made systems that are far less expensive. For the
past year I've been working on a revolutionary low cost, easy to build, easy to
install solar heating system that's finally ready for the marketplace.
Additional modifications may improve performance but I do believe the MTD system
is now a viable contender for the fossil fuel market.

CONVENTIONAL SOLAR HOT WATER AND SOLAR
HEATING SYSTEMSBASICS John
Patterson